Meet our Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning

First appearing in issue 5 of The Burfordian this year, our Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning Mr J Durie, who joined us at Burford School in September, writes to introduce himself... 

Taking on the role of Assistant Headteacher at Burford has been a wonderful challenge and a privilege. Before applying, I knew of Burford’s reputation as an excellent school with a proud history and strong track record of not just teaching students well in the classroom but ensuring that a Burford education was truly holistic through the incredible music, drama, sport and other clubs and activities that thrive outside the classroom. 

Everything that I have encountered in my first months at the school has confirmed that impression: the students are happy, charming and enjoy coming to school. The teaching staff are committed and reflective professionals and very welcoming. It is a special place and I very much see my role as being one of many custodians of that specialness: to preserve it and strengthen it in the following years through my work as a senior leader. 

My particular focus is on teaching and learning as well as reading and literacy across the curriculum. My philosophy is that everything we do as professionals at Burford should be informed by the research on how students learn most effectively: if we get quality first teaching right, then students’ progress and success follows. I am committed to furthering the reflective and outward facing culture that already exists at Burford to ensure our students can participate actively in their education and reach for their very best potential within a respectful and supportive environment. 

Before taking up this post, I was a Head of English in a large and outstanding secondary school in Newbury. While I loved the role and the school (I was there for nine years overall) I felt ready for a new challenge. I feel excited and fortunate to join the SLT at Burford and will strive to ensure that all students can reach their potential and enjoy their learning.